[Open]

[fireforger]

As she stepped into the foyer of the Outsider's Hotel, Daja wasn't just accompanied by her Trader Staff today. On her other arm she held a beautiful shield, made of steel and decorated with twisting dragons. And in the very centre, a symbol that some members of the crew may find familiar

Comments

[i_am_the_bafo]

The Overlord made a practice of dropping in on the Outsiders headquarters every so often -- mostly because he still has every intention of using the Outsiders as loyal if irritably do-gooding minions, and consequently had taken a personal interest in their activities.

So lucky, lucky Daja, as she stepped in, would find herself approached by a green-haired, vapid girl carrying a book. That book had a face, and that face is saying, "Huh. Nice shield."

[fireforger]

When Daja had first woken, she would have blinked at the green hair - but by now, she had seen many stranger things. The talking book, however? That was considerably stranger. She bowed, although it was somewhat hesitant - she wasn't sure if she should address the book or the girl.

"Thank you - it was made for Katara. I hope that it will serve her well."

[i_am_the_bafo]

"Katara?" The book lifted an eyebrow in surprise. "I didn't know she used those. She seemed like a martial arts kind of girl..."

The gears in Zetta's head, glacial though their pace might be, turned just enough to complete a thought. "You must be the girl with the forge..." The book frowned as it struggled to remember that commversation. "...Daja?"

[fireforger]

"I believe she intends to learn," Daja explained politely. "And yes, I am Daja the blacksmith. May I help you?"

[hack_rat]

Alex walked into the foyer from the pool area. He was dressed, but between the wet hair, the towel around his neck, and the wet rat on his shoulder, it seemed like he had just been swimming.

Seeing the strange face he looked rather surprised and mildly alarmed, but he had been slowly been getting better with social situations since he got on board. All that meant was that he didn't turn around awkwardly and walk back towards the pool. Instead he had enough time to notice the familiar symbol on the shield.

"Th-that l-looks l-like the s-symbol on K-Katara's necklace," he noted, "Are you a f-friend of hers?"

[fireforger]

Daja was surprised to see someone looking so wet inside a building - had he just taken a bath? - but nonetheless, she hid her surprise and bowed.

"Yes, I am a friend of Katara's," Daja said, speaking softly. The boy looked very nervous; she didn't want to startle him. "And this shield was crafted for her - she requested the symbol of her tribe specifically."

[hack_rat]

He went red when she bowed, "R-really, there's n-no need ta b-bow!" He ran his fingers through his wet hair and then awkwardly shook the water off his hand, having forgotten that it was so wet, "I-if you're a f-friend of K-Katara's then y-you c-can't be a bad person. It's a b-beautiful shield, I'm s-sure she'll love it!"

[fireforger]

"In my culture, bowing is the polite way to greet someone," Daja said, amused. "I would be rude if I did not bow."

"Thank you - I take great pride in my work." She held up the shield higher, her expression warm. "I love nothing more then to craft something which is both strong and beautiful."

[kaya_waterwave]

Katara had come out for a moment to take in some of the outside. She'd spent most of that day planning out how to show the Outsiders what she'd seen when they tried to take on the Ohm: Grunts strength, firebug's attack, and the tank's relentless bulk were all to be a part of what would have to be avoided, and then eventually engaged. That, she was sure, the newcomers would help with.

And here, she met up with someone unexpected.

"Oh, Daja!" Katara exclaimed, smiling. "Nice to see..."

And then she saw the shield, her mouth dropping.

[fireforger]

"Katara," Daja said, bowing quickly. As she rose from her bow, a slightly anxious expression crossed her face.

"Do you like it?" she said nervously. "I know you didn't ask for the dragons, but I thought..."

[kaya_waterwave]

Katara put a hand up to the older girl's shoulder. "No, I should be the one bowing. This is a work of beauty and elegance. I couldn't have asked for a better shield than this. You are truly gifted in your craft."

She smiled. "In my world they are associated with the Fire Nation, but the dragons are also wise creatures with the ability to bring forth knowledge to those who seek it. It fits the shield perfectly."

There weren't words enough for this.

[fireforger]

Daja smiled - seeing the expressions of those who loved her work was always one of the joys of being a smith. She held the shield out to Katara, for her to take. "I hope then that this shield will bring you wisdom, as well as protection." She held the shield out, so that Katara may take it. "Will you try it on?"